Ram 1500 vs Tundra
The Ram 1500 and the Tundra are direct rivals in the full-size pickup class, one from Ram and one from Toyota. This one has a front-runner. The Tundra wins 1 of 4 compared areas, and engine & performance is where the difference is hardest to miss.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tundra wins
- Space & Practicality Ram 1500 wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech Tie
- Engine & Performance0.0
- Off-road & Towing8.6
- Engine & Performance1.9
- Off-road & Towing10.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Tundra has 136 lb-ft more torque
Few buyers will miss this one. The Tundra brings 405 lb-ft to the table; the Ram 1500 brings 269 lb-ft. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
-
The Tundra has 43 hp more power
The Tundra has a modest edge on total system output: 348 hp against 305 hp for the Ram 1500. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The Ram 1500 has room for 6 seats
It’s a small lead (6 seats versus 5 seats), but it’s real, and it goes to the Ram 1500. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Ram 1500 | Tundra |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 233.6 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 80.2 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 78 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 145.7 in |
Engine & Performance
Tundra leads
Look at the engine & performance table and one name keeps coming out on top: the Tundra. The Tundra answers with 136 lb-ft more torque. The Tundra’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing. If engine & performance is your priority, the Tundra is the car to pick.
Torque
Ram 1500: 269 lb-ft Tundra: 405 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Total system output
Ram 1500: 305 hp Tundra: 348 hp The Tundra’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Space & Practicality
Ram 1500 leads
The Ram 1500 squeezes out a win in the space & practicality section. The Ram 1500 gives you room for 6 seats. The Ram 1500 has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools. If this section decides it for you, choose the Ram 1500.
Seats
Ram 1500: 6 seats Tundra: 5 seats Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
There’s no meaningful winner in the off-road & towing section; the two are too close to separate. So off-road & towing is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Safety & Tech
Too close to call
Call the safety & tech round a draw. Don’t let safety & tech decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Ram 1500 | Tundra |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Mild hybrid (eTorque) | Gas |
| Engine | 3.6L V6 (Pentastar) eTorque | 3.4L twin-turbo V6 (i-FORCE) |
| Total system output | 305 hp Least powerful in class | 348 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 269 lb-ft Least torque in class | 405 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (4x4 available) | RWD (4WD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Ram 1500 | Tundra |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 20 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 18 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 23 mpg |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 32.2 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Ram 1500 | Tundra |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 6 seats (winner) Most seats in class | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Ram 1500 | Tundra |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 11,580 lb | 12,000 lb Best towing in class |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Ram 1500 | Tundra |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 14.5 in | 14 in |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Ram 1500 | Tundra |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 233.6 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 80.2 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 78 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 145.7 in |
Price
| Spec | Ram 1500 | Tundra |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | N/A (not specified) | $41,260 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Ram 1500 if…
- you need more seats (6 seats vs 5 seats)
- you already know your way around Ram’s products
Choose the Tundra if…
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (405 lb-ft vs 269 lb-ft of torque)
- you want more power (348 hp vs 305 hp)
- you prefer staying with Toyota
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Ram 1500 or the Tundra?
We’d point most buyers to the Tundra. The main exception is if your top priority is room for 6 seats.
Executive Summary
Whenever Ram and Toyota go head to head, I learn something about what each one cares about, and the Ram 1500 and the Tundra are no exception. I’d put 136 lb-ft more torque at the top of the list, and it belongs to the Tundra. To be fair, the Ram 1500 has room for 6 seats, and that’s not nothing.
Think about your week. Heavy on space & practicality? The Ram 1500. More about engine & performance? The Tundra.
My pick: the Tundra, with one exception: if you know that room for 6 seats would make a real difference in your routine, go for the Ram 1500.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.